Martin OMJM vs OM-28 Modern Deluxe at Maury’s Music

In today's comparison video, Maury puts the Martin OMJM up against the Martin OM-28 Modern Deluxe. These guitars are priced similarly, and share the same OM body shape, and same 25.4" long scale length. They both have East Indian Rosewood back & sides, and both come in a Geib style case. That's about it for the similarities. The OM-28 Modern Deluxe features a VTS Sitka top, vs the OMJM's Engelmann Spruce top. The Martin OM-28 Modern Deluxe has the "now standard" 1 3/4 nut with, where the Martin OMJM is one of the few modern models with a narrow 1 11/16" nut. The Martin OM-28 MD has gold Evo fretwire, maple binding and a bridgeplate made of VTS Adirondack & carbon fiber. The OMJM is more in-line with standard Martin design features, but it does come equipped with a Fishman undersaddle pickup. The OM-28 Modern Deluxe doesn't come with electronics per se, but can be ordered with the Fishman Aura HD... and that model is the Martin OM-28E Modern Deluxe.

You can view all the specs on our website.

Which do you prefer & why? The Martin OM-28 Modern Deluxe, or the Martin OMJM? Let us know in the comments section & please give us a LIKE and a SHARE.

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[MatthewPeskay]

Thank you so much for putting this together! I really appreciate all of your videos and insights! I was looking at OMs and OOOs and compating the OMJM the OOO-EC and the OM-28 and 000-28 Modern Deluxe models. One of the biggest differences I found between these two (the OMJM and OM-28MD) was the neck size. I ended up with the OM-28 Modern Deluxe, and not only do I think the sound is a little more full and rich and bassy than the OMJM, but the neck profile on the Moden Deluxe feels almost twice as fat as the OMJM. The OMJM has a slimmer neck than even the normal Martin's, (John's special 'performance neck') which made it hard for me to play with my fatter fingers. However, the Modern Deluxe has this throwback neck shape (different from the other MDs) which is really wide at both the nut and the 12th fret. It makes it almost feel like a classical/nylon string guitar. The Modern Deluxe was the better choice for me because of the wider neck profile, anyone considering between the two should absolutely try to go play them because the necks are WAY different. Rock on!

I prefer the OM-28 MD. I only judge by fingerstyle playing. In this video the 28 has a more warm and open sound.

[allend]

The OMJM is amazing for finger picking. It has this natural aura that comes alive in the midrange frequencies. It’s got a magic to it. The OM28 can do both finger picking and strumming, but doesn’t do that midrange aura thing that makes the Engelmann spruce special. Where the OMJM leans towards finger picking the OM28 leans towards strumming better. To me it has more overall dynamics in a broader range which you can both feel and hear. If I had to buy one, I know I would initially be smitten with the better overall feel of the OM28 and the amazing dynamics. I would long for the OMJMs amazing finger picking midrange though, and save up.

[markjohnson]

Hi Maury.Merry Christmas 🎄 I like the MD because one I am in the MD fold I own a 2021 D18 MD and love it .I like the appointments, the VTS top and love the modern deluxe neck . To me it is very comfortable. Also not a fan of signature guitars 🎸. Although the Mayer sounds good too. I can usually get a tone out of most any Martin I play that I can enjoy. To me that is part of the mystique of Martin.I enjoyed the demo.

[lucasmckee]

Hey that’s my OM-28 MD. It sounds even better in person!

[jamesmorrison]

The OMJM has a more distinct mid range. The OM-28 has a broader range of frequencies and I would prefer it. I would use it for fingerpicking. I already have a 000-28VS that's a monster for fingerpicking though. Thanks for the video!

[ensignofindustry]

They sound astonishingly different! Would you say the these two guitars are representative of how each respective model sounds? I ask as I much prefer the glassier tone and that low E on the MD, but it sounds like I’d get on better with the OMJM’s smaller neck dimensions. 🍻

[rysonapao]

JM for finger style, MD for both. In my opinion

[cs]

modern deluxe sounds better to me. It is clearer and has a wider open sound.